Campaigners at Knott End seek support on cuts

Residents of Knott End were out in force to protest against proposed closures to their public services as a result of council cutbacks.'Residents outside the library, which is earmarked for closure. PIC BY ROB LOCK'8-1-2016

Published:16:02Wednesday 13 January 2016

Knott End residents are being urged to write in protest against cuts which campaigners say will alter the face of their community for ever.

Lancashire County Council must make massive £262m savings in the next five years because of government cuts in funding and it is likely to affect Wyre communities including Fleetwood.

In Knott End, several services face the axe as part of the county’s funding cuts, including the ferry to Fleetwood, the youth and community centre, local bus services, and Knott End Library, which is one of several branches at risk. More than 200 residents who attended a meeting at Knott End Working Mens’ Club organised by the Preesall Town Council, expressed outrage at the proposals, arguing these will impact everyone from the old and vulnerable to young people.

Councillors urged people to write to the chief executive of Lancashire County Council, Jo Turton, to make their views known, ahead of the county council’s public consultation.

A petition has also been launched and distributed to shops, cafes and pubs for residents to sign.

Coun Derek Hudson said: “The over-riding message is clear: if we don’t stand up and shout about the loss of vital services like the ferry, the library, the youth and community centre and local bus services, we will lose them.”

Letters to Jo Turton can be posted as follows: Jo Turton, Chief Executive Officer, Lancashire County Council, County Hall, Fishergate, Preston, PR1 8XB, or emailed to her at jo.turton@lancashire.gov.uk.

Meanwhile, County Coun Jennifer Mein, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “We are open to any ideas people may have to lessen the impact of savings and I urge people to have their say at www.lancashire.gov.uk./haveyoursay.”